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Tag Archives: Billy Coffey

It isn’t often I read something outside of my favorite genre of historical fiction. I took a chance on author Billy Coffey when I read Some Small Magic last year. I quickly learned that Coffey is a poet and an unforgettable storyteller. Steal Away Home is a captivating, page turning, story of young love, summer, forgiveness, and redemption. If you read it and don’t love it, you didn’t read it right.

In Steal Away Home, Owen Cross has finally been given the opportunity to stand in the dug out at a major league baseball game. As the innings unfold, Owen reflects on his life. The story is told through Owen’s point of view as each inning of the game passes. This book is so much more than baseball. I dog-eared page after page so I might go back and reread all of the wonderful truth I found weaved in each remembrance.

“Your love is all wrapped up in a thing that can’t love you back…” Bottom 5

“There is always tomorrow until there is not. ” Bottom 6

“A Lord not from wood and soil, but of them and among them, as He was of and among us all. A dweller of the broken places.” Bottom 7

It isn’t often I underline fiction! I became mesmerized by the story of Owen Cross. I have nothing to compare this book to, other than Field of Dreams. Even if baseball isn’t your cup of tea, you should give this stunning work of fiction a shot. I loved it, I requested a review copy of Steal Away Home from BookLookBloggers. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own and I have not been compensated.

Tired of my typical reading fare, I opted for a novel outside of my favored genre of historical fiction. Occasionally I find myself in a reading rut and books I would normally enjoy seem almost formula driven. I feel as though the plot, characters and setting are oddly familiar. Some Small Magic is completely different from any novel I have ever read. It is so unexpected! I will admit that the first few chapters left me feeling like I might not finish because of the heavy subject matter. There were no cheery characters, uplifting moments, or lovely scenery. The characters in this novel are raw, unpolished, and unsettling.

I dare not discuss any of the plot because too much would be given away. I will say, that this book begins with a boy born into difficult circumstances. Abel is poor, living in a dilapidated, rented trailer with his single Mother who works as a waitress in a crappy diner. Abel also suffers from a genetic disorder that leaves him broken in more than one way. I felt like I knew where the author was headed. And then suddenly, I didn’t! I was floored by the change of direction of the story.

I can easily see Some Small Magic as an eery movie meant for the big screen. I was a bit unnerved by several scenes later in the book. If you love books outside of the norm, interesting characters, and plots that rock your boat…this is likely a great read for you. I am excited to explore other titles by author Billy Coffey. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by BookLookBlogggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.